The government today said that the growth of sugar industry in the country is critical for rural development as 50 million farmers and their families are dependent on it. Addressing the 41st session of the International Sugar Council in New Delhi, the Finance Minister Mr Mukherjee said that the industry has supported employment in various ancillary activities. Mr. Mukherjee said that government has taken a number of steps to revitalise the sugar industry so that it is in a position to reap the advantages of free and growing market. The minster said that the government has been seeking to stablize sugar prices by moderating volatility during scarce and surplus domestic sugar seasons. Mr Mukherjee stressed the need to ensure that the sugar sector has access to the latest technology for enhancing production and productivity. He urged the Council to take necessary steps for collaborative research and development so that entire sugar industry across the world benefits from it. Mr Mukherjee emphasised the importance of global co-operation in research and development of sugar technologies to unlock the full potential of the industry in developing countries. Speaking on the ocassion Food and Consumer Affairs minister K V Thomas said that the main concern of the government is that sugarcane farmers get due share of their labour time and energies invested by them on the field.